Avanti West Coast, the UK train operating company, has been awarded a contract extension for a further six months by the UK Government’s Department for Transport. The decision to extend the contract follows recent improvements in service performance by the company.
Here are seven key points about the contract extension and Avanti West Coast’s recent service improvements:
- The contract extension will run from April to September 2023 and is worth approximately £340 million.
- Avanti West Coast has made significant improvements to its services in recent months, including increasing the number of trains running on time and improving customer satisfaction.
- The company has invested in new technology to improve the reliability and performance of its trains, including new digital signaling technology.
- Avanti West Coast has also introduced new services, such as a new direct route between London Euston and Llandudno.
- The extension of the contract will provide stability for Avanti West Coast and its employees, as well as ensure that passengers continue to receive a high level of service.
- The Department for Transport has praised Avanti West Coast’s recent performance, and the decision to extend the contract reflects the government’s confidence in the company.
- The contract extension will also provide time for the Department for Transport to consider options for the long-term future of the West Coast Partnership franchise, of which Avanti West Coast is a part.
FirstGroup and Trenitalia have collaborated to form Avanti West Coast. The company operates services on the West Coast Main Line between London, the West Midlands, North West England, North Wales, and Scotland. With this contract extension, passengers can continue to expect high-quality services from Avanti West Coast for the next six months, and potentially beyond.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
